Class Garden Underway!

Our class garden is underway!

Today students had the opportunity, thanks to Anthony and Diana (Christopher's parents), to explore the concepts of soil nutrients and what is involved in planting and growing a garden.
Over the next couple months we will be growing snap peas, lettuce and radishes. We will grow the vegetables both in our garden bed and in the classroom and observe the differences.

 

Spirit Week

Tuesday- Sports Jersey 

Wednesday- Crazy Hair 

Thursday- Pajamas

Friday- Alameda T-shirt

Hip-Hop Dance

Finally figured this one out... here's the dance video! Practice up kids!

Parents, we will be performing at 1:30 on Wednesday Feb 13th. Its a very short performance but please feel free to come watch your children!

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching!

If you are able and interested in helping with a class party please let me know (also looking for someone or a few to head this simple event). Typically we take the last the last 45min of school and do a simple party with treats, a couple simple games or activities and the traditional passing out of cards. A complete class list will go home with your child this Friday. Valentine cards are not required but if your child does bring a card I ask that they have one for every student in the class.

Wanted: Reading Group Facilitators

Are you wondering how to get involved in the classroom? Has the new year opened up your Wednesday 12:30-1:30 time slot?

If so I am looking for a couple more people to help with reading groups. I've lost some help due to adjusted work schedules and with that groups have become somewhat large or have had to work independently without an adult leader. We're making this work but it would be nice to have assistance for all groups without having to make the groups too large.

If you are available and interested in being a reading group facilitator on Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30 please send me an email. Thank you!
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Yearbooks

from year book staff:
Yearbook Cover Design Contest

Due Date:  Thursday, January 31st    (Please send contest entries to the office.)

Theme:  "Portland"

Medium:   Watercolor

Must be included on cover:  ALAMEDA or ALAMEDA SCHOOL... and  2012-2013

Size:  Dorian Contest Sheet provided or any 8 1/2" x 11" white paper, including watercolor paper  (Please include student's first & last name, grade, & teacher's name on the back of all artwork if using paper other than the contest form provided by Dorian Studio.)

Yearbook Order Forms

Date Due:  Monday, February 11th

Cost:  $16  (Cash or Checks only - Please make checks payable to Alameda PTA.)

Ordering for Multiple Siblings:  Please use a separate order form envelope for each child.  If you want to write one check, please put that check in one of the envelopes & staple all order form envelopes together & send them in with your oldest child.  Once we account for the money and yearbook arrive, we will make sure each of your children gets their own yearbook in their own classroom.

Photos Needed

The yearbook staff is in need of photos for the yearbook.  When sending photos, please include the grade &/or activity.

--Please send K, 2nd & 3rd grade photos to Amy Compton at mailto:amycompton@me.com

--Please send 1st, 4th & 5th grade photos to Julie Brennan at mailto:klm-bp@q.com

Clubs, field trips, & other activity photos can be sent to Amy or Julie.

Because this year's theme is PORTLAND, we are especially interested in getting photos of students on field trips around Portland.  (# Pumpkin Patch, Bridge Tour, Downtown Tour, Whitaker Pond, etc...)

Science and Social Studies

As the year begins we are excited to start two new units of study- Bones & Skeletons and NW Indians. I'll keep you updated on what we're addressing throughout the unit studies but here is a quick overview of the content we'll cover.

Bones & Skeletons
In our Bones & Skeletons unit students will be learning about the five bone groups found in the human body, comparing and contrasting animal skeletons, looking at the function of teeth in humans and animals, learning about and identifying the different types of joints in the body along with much more.

NW Indians
In our Native American unit students will be learning about the different regional tribe groups in Oregon, Coastal and Plateau, along with some specific tribes. Students will be learning about their homes, food and hunting, clothing and culture. At times students will also compare various Indian tribes and as extensions research what NW Indian life looks like in our present day.

I encourage you to take time and ask your child about what they are learning in these two units!